It’s scary to think that this effort was released when Bush was president. The first one.
This record is a cross between Red Hot Chili Peppers and General Public. I’d say that Voodoo Glow Skulls were inspired by these guys, because their style is a mad version of the Skeletones.
For those just tuning in, this is a ska band. They were a ska band before ska blew up for the last time (so far). If you want to hear the transformation, that is, hear something that anyone under 30 would respond with, “oh, yeah; that’s ska,” give “Telephone” a listen. It’s got samples, cheerful horns and everything else that Millennials associate with ska. “Jill Victoria” is a throwback to the time, in general. I can almost hear baggy pants in the wind during this one.
“Nutty Day” is a great song that’s heavy on the keys. I can envision them dancing on stage. It really takes me back. I think it’s time to sneak into the Trocadero again! (4th and Bryant, remember?)
“What Needs to Be Done” would have been on the soundtrack to “Police Academy 7,” but they stopped making those after No. 6. A shame, really. The Skeletones make everything better.

What’s more fun than reviewing new music? Reviewing old music! We go back to 2001 for Kevin Seconds’ classic, “Heaven’s Near Wherever You Are.”
The voice sounded familiar to me, and I was finally able to place it: Pansy Division. The subject matter is clearly different, however. This modern sound was starting to fade away in the late ’90s, but fans of Harvey Danger, Fastball and the like will enjoy the trip down memory lane that this record gives. I’ve used all of my back-in-time analogies, and I still have more of these to write. Now what will I do?
“Chin” has female backing harmonies that keep the song moving, as does “Anti Me,” which just might be the best song on the record and reminds me of the Lemonheads. “137 Song” has a Gin Blossoms feel to it. You can’t really go wrong with any of these.
“Better Picture” has more pep if that’s what you’re looking for — not that any of these are sleepy ballads. “Down” is as slow as it gets, and it still could get you through a mountain pass.
If you missed this one the first time around, take the time to get to know an underrated power-pop performer from the turn of the millennium: Kevin Seconds.